Mary Doane first encountered Victoria, a sweet, two year-old, black lab, through one of her South Carolina dog-rescue connections. Victoria was languishing in a southern kill-shelter. She'd tested positive for heart worm and her future looked grim. Doane, founder of Mary's Dogs Rescue and Adoption in Deerfield, NH took action to save Victoria's life.

Doane immediately got to work and started campaigning to raise money for the lovable, puppy-eyed dog. Doane reached out to the community by starting a financial campaign on FundRazr.com. She posted Victoria’s photograph and basic information next to a caption reading: “We can save her! This should NOT be a death sentence! It's not going to be!” Online contributors helped raise over $800 to help save Victoria.

Sadly, because of Victoria’s heart worm diagnosis, she needed a foster home outside of New Hampshire where she could heal and recover. New Hampshire has strict laws prohibiting heart worm positive dogs from entering the state until cleared. This restriction is one of many that potential pet adopters might not know about.